Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Stovetop Bulgur
Bowl of soft, cooked bulgur.

Stovetop Bulgur

Nutrient-rich whole grain with a light and nutty flavor that cooks quickly.
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Lentil Soup with Lime Juice
Lentil, carrot and bell pepper soup served with lime and a slice of bread.

Lentil Soup with Lime Juice

Filling and tasty lentil soup with spicy green chiles, fresh veggies and a pop of lime!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
9 cups
Fish Salad
Plates with cabbage and vegetables below a fish, ranch and salsa topping.

Fish Salad

Fresh combination of vegetables, fish fillet and creamy ranch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Farmers Market Salsa
Colorful vegetable bean salsa.

Farmers Market Salsa

Fresh homemade salsa with the perfect hint of spice and lime.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Green Salad with Peas
Lettuce bed topped with peas and feta cheese on a plate.

Green Salad with Peas

Fresh green salad, tossed with peas, cucumber and creamy feta.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry
Green cabbage with strips of chicken on a plate.

Chicken Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick dinner idea combining crisp-tender veggies with ginger, garlic and soy sauce. You can change the veggies and proteins to fit what you have on hand.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups